Spinto Band releases short film / live performance video, directed by Nate Johnson, and filmed in Hockessin

It's 23 minutes long, but well worth the time.  It was filmed at the Spinto Band's studio (apparently soon to be razed for a housing development, although there are rumors that the main street will be named Spinto Road), which is an old garden center in Hockessin, near the Wawa there.  Parts were also filmed at Lantana Shopping Center, mostly at Capriotti's Subs.  Seriously - good luck resisting the urge to run out and get a Bobbie after watching this.  Capriotti's really needs to throw a sponsorship the band's way, I think. 

Nate Johnson has produced other interesting short films - check out the other ones if you like this one.


The Spinto Band: Everyone Got What They Wanted from Nate Johnson on Vimeo.

Almost forgot about the Chinese Festival this year - Friday through Sunday

The Chinese Festival is one of the smaller ethnic festivals in the county, and it's usually overshadowed by the Greek, Italian, and Jazz festivals that sandwich it, but it's still well the trip to Hockessin.  Apparently the dragon dance that kicks off the festival is one of the highlights, though I've always managed to miss it.  What I go for is the chance to get some Chinese food that you wouldn't ordinarily find in local Chinese restaurants.   (And there's beer, if that's a deciding factor for anyone).  Ah, but what if you get your fill of dinner but don't care for the dessert options?  No problem - Woodside Farms Creamery is a block away.  DONE.   To me, that's reason enough for a trip out that way. 

Hours are 5-9 Friday, 11-9 Saturday, and 12-6 Sunday.  Parking is $5.   The festival is held at the Chinese American Community Center at 1313 Little Baltimore Rd., Hockessin.  For more info:
http://www.chinesefestival.org/

Upcoming events at Slow Food Brandywine Valley. UPDATE: Dairy tour canceled.

"Slow food" is an international movement that has gained popularity in the last decade.  It basically celebrates the slow preparation and enjoyment of foods, best enjoyed sitting around a table with family and friends, as an antidote to the increasingly fast and stressful pace of the world.  It works in tandem with the "buy local" movement. 

You have to be a member of Slow Food Brandywine Valley to participate in their dinners and classes, but this organization seems to have enough going to make it worth your while (not actually sure of this anymore, in light of the casual way they canceled their biggest upcoming event).  Many of their events take place at Coverdale Farms in Greenville, or at the Delaware Nature Society.

The next big event is:  UPDATE - it's canceled, via a Facebook post that says:  "the seven stars tour will be postponed until a less busy time! be well in the meantime!"  That's it?  No explanation?  I'm a little disappointed in the way they handled this, to be honest.

This is what the event was supposed to be:
"April 30th--Seven Stars Dairy Tour--come see what a REAL dairy farm looks like! FREE!
email mailto:slowfoodbrandywinevalley@yahoo.com for details"


SFBV also conducts regular cooking and baking classes.  To see their full event schedule:
http://www.slowfoodbrandywinevalley.com/events.html

Earth Day, Christina River Clean-up, and other Saturday daytime events:

Delaware Nature Society Earth Day Festival:

"Come to the DNS Earth Day Festival at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge on the Wilmington Riverfront ~ Saturday, April 16, 10 am to 3 pm ~ Rain or Shine. Celebrate with canoe trips down the Christina, live music, green living exhibitors, hikes, children's activities and much more. U.S. Senator Tom Carper will speak at noon. It's FREE!"

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Wild Birds Unlimited (Hockessin) 16th anniversary celebration:

First 16 customers of April 16th get a free gift, and everything is 16% off.  Stop in Harvest Market Natural Foods next door, where they'll be giving away free reusable bags for Earth Day.

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"A Healthy Taste of Brandywine".  From Greater Brandywine Village Revitalization:

"Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the intersection of Concord Avenue & Market Street. Food, Live Music and Giveaways. Cooking demonstrations by Trader Joe's market, Healthy Smoothies by Zina DiTonno to sample and buy, Health Information by Christiana Care Health System, samples from neighborhood businesses. This is a kick-off for new Village Farmers' Market"

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Brandywine Zoo Earth Day Festival:

Sat., 10am-3:30pm at the zoo, free with zoo admittance fee.
"Learn about the "Wonder of Water" at this year's annual Earth Day Celebration!  The day will include live animal presentations, live entertainment, and fun water-related activities, games, crafts, and more!"

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Christina Watershed Clean-up:

Saturday from 8am-noon at White Clay Creek State Park and other sites in the area.  (8am!  Why can't one of these clean-ups have night-owl friendly hours?)

For more info and exact locations: http://www.christinarivercleanup.org/